A famous place in central Cannes is Morrison’s Lounge, just off the beach so perfectly located for an evening cocktail and for some later fun as well. Decorated with Irish flair, there is a DJ or live band playing after dark nearly every day and a unique and interesting cocktail list. The Lounge is also host to entertainment like comedy acts, and the mojitos are killer.

Adjacent is a more low-key but similarly styled bar, Morrison’s Pub (sister bar to the Lounge). In addition to the music and great beer selection (Guinness! Kilkenny! and more), this place is well-known as the place to watch the soccer (i.e. football) games. Employees are mostly Irish, and more Anglos flock when their favorite club is playing, making this an English-speaking hub in the middle of Franco-land. Good happy hour deals here as well.

Another pub that’s a favorite of English-speaking expats and students living in Cannes is Quay’s, also near the beach. There’s frequently football matches and/or live music on here as well, and there are good beer prices during happy hour.

If you want to get your dance on, some of the pricier places in town have the best music and dance floors. La Chunga is adjacent to the Hotel Martinez, and has decor reminiscent of a 1950’s film noir set. Jet-setters come to sip their elegant and pricey drinks, listen to the live piano music, and watch or join in the rumba or salsa dancing as it gets going on the dance floor.

A less expensive and more spicy version of the salsa bar can be found in Caliente, a bar with a Latino flavor and cocktails. The terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the Riviera weather while sipping on a pina colada or a caipirinha. It’s so not the place to see and be seen, but serves its purpose as a great place to drink multiple tropical beverages and move to the music.

Some places need no introduction, and Baoli is one of the them. If you are only in town for a few days and are only going to go to one bar, make it this one. The food is top-notch French cuisine with the best Mediterranean ingredients, which serves in sharp contrast to the amazing southeast-Asian decor. No shabby bar stools here; patrons dressed to the nines recline under draped fabric and palm trees on velvety cushions.